An unconventional woman clashes with colonial society in
this spicy and sweet Australian-set historical romance.

His
carefree bachelor days over, Christopher Matcham returns to Sydney to take
responsibility for his mother, two stepsisters, and the family property.
Fortune smiles on him when he is introduced to Matilda Sweet, a woman in need
of work. Though unusual, Christopher senses that her fresh ideals and positive
outlook can only benefit his sisters, so he hires her as a companion.

By
the time they arrive at Christopher’s family home, the two are fast friends.
But Matilda’s unorthodox ways and her convict heritage make her a second class
citizen to the family. Christopher has responsibilities, and they include an
advantageous match. A breeches-wearing, fish-pond-swimming, plain-talking
convict’s daughter will never fit in. After all, romance is a luxury the
upper classes cannot afford…

‘Paris is a city of contradictions—rich and poor, the glamorous and the
debauched—and I loved every
moment of it.’

Christopher Matcham turned his head as the girl’s
breath caught, although he was uncertain whether the sound was from shock or
delight. In another situation, he might have interpreted it as a sign of
pleasure. Rocking back in his chair, he stared across the table at the
delectable Miss Matilda Sweet.

Matilda radiated vitality and vivacity. In the
flickering candlelight, her skin had an almost amber hue, highlighting her
honeyed hair. Her wide eyes beckoned to him, and a tiny pulse flickered along
her elegant neck. She might be a currency lass and of convict stock, but her
looks were far from disappointing. She was so different from the women of
Sydney society—and that of Paris.

‘Kit, I think you’re getting worse with age instead
of better. Remember, there are ladies present.’

The delighted grin on Emily Bainbridge’s face
belied her husband’s words. ‘Richard, don’t be such a stuffed shirt. I would
love to hear about Paris. We get so little news from elsewhere, and I’m sure
Matilda doesn’t mind.’

The girl smiled and lowered her eyes behind lashes
that would have done a courtesan proud. Her hand fluttered to the column of her
throat.

‘I am totally fascinated. I cannot imagine what
Paris must be like. They say half the world visited the city for the Exhibition Universelle.’

Matilda’s low contralto rippled across his skin
like a warm brandy, and the temptation to lean across the table and inhale her
scent was almost overpowering. Clearing his throat, Christopher dragged his
eyes away from her generous mouth and made an effort to pay due attention to
his host and hostess.

‘Paris is certainly a fascinating city, full of
intriguing layers. The upper classes cling to the skirts of the Emperor and
Empress while on the seamier side, the commoners flex their muscles and enjoy
life. The cafés are open day and night, and the entertainment is outrageous. La chahut dancers have claimed the
streets as their own. Their acrobatic skills are phenomenal. The dancers kick
their legs so high they can remove a man’s hat and then, of course, display
delightful glimpses of their under—’

10 comments:

Venetia Green
said...

Lovely excerpt, Tea, and congratulations on your latest release! The early colonial history of Australia makes such a wonderful story setting - so much hardship, challenge, and opportunity to carve a new life. Makes me feel we have it very easy these days.

Thanks for stopping by Suzi...it was certainly an interesting time in Australia - particularly the Hunter Valley, which was dragged kicking and screaming into the modern age by a man called John Portus who gets a very brief mention in Matilda's Freedom. He merits a book all of his own.

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